The Russian prosecutor is demanding nine and a half years in prison for the American basketball player Brittney Griner, who is being held in Moscow, which is almost the maximum possible sentence.
In addition, the 31-year-old, who has been held since February and has to answer for drug smuggling in court, is to pay a fine of the equivalent of 16,000 euros.
"I urge the court to find Griner guilty and sentence her to nine years and six months in prison," prosecutor Nikolai Vlasenko said on Thursday.
The maximum penalty for such an offense in Russia is ten years imprisonment.
Severe setback
Most recently, the representatives of the two-time Olympic champion had spread hope with a view to the upcoming decision.
"We expect a rather mild verdict," said lawyer Alexander Boykow in the previous week.
The prosecutor's request is a serious setback.
Griner faces charges of violating national drug laws in Khimki.
The US star player was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport after security forces found vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage.
Griner pleaded guilty at the beginning of the trial.
Vlasenko said Griner "deliberately" walked through the corridor for undeclared passengers and said he did so "to hide the substance."